Delta Premium Select: Is It Actually Worth the Extra Cash?

You're standing in the jet bridge. To your left, the lucky few are turning toward the massive, lie-flat suites of Delta One. To your right, the vast majority of the plane is shuffling toward the narrow seats and limited recline of Main Cabin. But then there’s that middle ground. That weird, purple-hued "in-between" zone that Delta calls Delta Premium Select.

It’s not a bed. It’s also definitely not a coach seat.

Honestly, the biggest mistake people make is thinking of Delta Premium Select as just "Comfort Plus but better." It’s not. Comfort Plus is basically just an economy seat with a few extra inches of legroom and some free prosecco. Delta Premium Select is a completely different physical seat, a different service tier, and—usually—a much higher price tag. If you've been staring at that "Upgrade" button on the Fly Delta app, wondering if $600 is a fair price for a восемь-hour flight to London or Tokyo, you’re in the right place.

The Physicality of Delta Premium Economy Seats

Let’s get into the bones of the seat. Because at the end of the day, that’s what you’re paying for. You want space.

The delta premium economy seats are wider than standard coach. We’re talking about 18.5 to 19 inches of width compared to the 17-ish inches you get in the back of the bus. That doesn't sound like much on paper. In reality? It's the difference between your shoulder rubbing against a stranger for ten hours and actually having a bit of personal "bubble" space. You get a dedicated armrest. You aren't fighting for it.

The recline is where the magic happens, though. Or at least, where the sleep happens. You get about 7 inches of recline. In Main Cabin, you’re lucky to get 4. It also comes with a fold-out leg rest and a footrest. For some people, this is a godsend. For tall people—and I’m talking 6'2" and up—the footrest can actually be a bit of a nuisance because it hits your shins at a weird angle. If you're on the shorter side, it’s basically a recliner chair in the sky.

The A350 vs. the 767 Experience

Not all Delta planes are created equal. This is a huge point of confusion.

If you are on an Airbus A350, you’re getting the flagship version of this product. The screens are bigger (13.3 inches), the cabin feels airy, and the seats feel fresh. However, if you find yourself on a refurbished Boeing 767-300ER, the experience is a bit tighter. The seats are still the same "type," but the plane's narrower body makes everything feel slightly more cramped.

Always check the aircraft type before you pull the trigger on an upgrade.

What Actually Happens During the Flight?

Service is where Delta tries to justify the "Premium" in the name. It used to be a bit of a mess. During the height of the pandemic, the service in Premium Select was basically identical to economy, which was a total rip-off. Delta finally fixed this in late 2022.

Now, you get a "dining experience" that’s closer to First Class than Economy. You aren't eating out of a plastic tin with a tinfoil lid. You get real plates. You get silver-plated cutlery. You get a linen napkin. Does food taste better on a ceramic plate? Surprisingly, yes. It feels more like a meal and less like a survival ration.

The menu usually features a choice of several proteins—often a beef short rib or a pasta dish—and the portions are noticeably larger. You also get "elevated" snacks throughout the flight. Instead of a Biscoff cookie, you might get a small charcuterie plate or a warm chocolate chip cookie before landing.

The Amenity Kit Situation

Delta switched to "Someone Somewhere" amenity kits. These are handmade by artisans in Mexico. They’re actually pretty cool because they aren't just cheap plastic bags you throw away immediately. Inside, you’ll find the standard stuff: a sleep mask, earplugs, a toothbrush, and some high-end lip balm or lotion (usually Grown Alchemist).

The noise-canceling headphones are also a step up. They aren't Bose or Sony quality, so if you have your own, bring them. But if you forgot yours, these won't leave your ears aching after a two-hour movie.

When Is It Actually a Good Deal?

Pricing for delta premium economy seats is all over the place. I have seen upgrades for $250. I have also seen them for $1,800.

If you're paying cash, the "sweet spot" is usually around $300 to $400 more than a standard economy ticket for a transatlantic flight. If you’re looking at transpacific—say, LAX to Sydney—that jump might be closer to $600. Anything over $800 for an upgrade starts to enter the "I might as well just save for Delta One" territory.

Use SkyMiles. Sometimes the mileage upgrade offers are insane. If you see an upgrade for 20,000 to 30,000 miles on a long-haul flight, grab it. That’s an incredible value for the extra comfort.

The Nuance of the Bulkhead Row

There is a fierce debate among frequent flyers about the bulkhead row (the very first row of the Premium Select cabin).

• Pros: Nobody reclines into you. You can get up and go to the bathroom without doing a weird yoga move over your neighbor.
• Cons: Your TV screen and tray table are tucked into the armrest, making the seat feel slightly narrower. Also, you have to put all your bags in the overhead bin for takeoff and landing.

Most people prefer the bulkhead because of the legroom, but if you’re someone who likes to keep your laptop or a book at your feet, skip it.

Understanding the "Soft" Perks

It’s not just about the seat. You get Sky Priority access. This means:

1. Dedicated check-in lanes: No waiting behind 200 people.
2. Accelerated security: Though TSA PreCheck is still better, this helps in foreign airports.
3. Priority boarding: You get on the plane early, secure your overhead bin space, and settle in with a pre-departure drink (usually water or sparkling wine).
4. Priority baggage: Your bags (theoretically) come off the carousel first.

Does priority baggage always work? Honestly, no. It’s a 50/50 shot. But when it does work, it’s great.

What Most People Get Wrong

People often ask: "Is it the same as domestic First Class?"

The answer is: Sorta. The physical seat is very similar to what you’d find on a domestic Delta First Class flight on an A321. However, the service on long-haul Premium Select is actually better than domestic First Class. You get better bedding (a memory foam pillow and a much nicer blanket) and a more sophisticated meal service.

Another misconception is that you get Sky Club lounge access. You do not. This is a major pain point for many travelers. Unless you have a specific credit card (like the Amex Platinum or Delta Reserve) or Diamond Medallion status, a Premium Select ticket won't get you into the lounge. You have to be in Delta One for that.

Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip

If you’re ready to try out these seats, here is how you should play it to get the most value.

• Monitor the Seat Map: Don't buy the upgrade the moment you book. Delta's upgrade prices fluctuate based on an algorithm that tracks how many seats are left. Check the app every Tuesday and Wednesday morning. Prices often dip then.
• Check the Aircraft: Aim for the A350-900 or the A330-900neo. These are Delta’s newest planes with the best versions of the premium economy product.
• Pick the Right Side: If you’re traveling as a couple, the 2-2-2 or 2-3-2 configuration is a dream. You get your own pair of seats without a middle man. If you're solo, try to snag an aisle in the center section so you only have one person who might need to climb over you.
• Pack Light on the "Extras": Since you’re getting a solid amenity kit and better headphones, you can save some space in your carry-on.
• Evaluate the "Sleep Factor": If it’s a daytime flight (like New York to London leaving at 8 AM), Premium Select might be overkill. You’re just sitting and watching movies. If it’s a red-eye where you desperately need to sleep to be functional the next day, the 7-inch recline and leg rest are worth every penny.

Delta Premium Select occupies a specific niche. It’s for the traveler who is too old (or too tired) for the cramped quarters of economy but can't justify the $5,000+ price tag of a lie-flat bed. It's a compromise. But as far as compromises go, it’s one of the most comfortable ones in the sky.

Check your flight details on FlightRadar24 or SeatGuru before you book. Know the layout. Know the "real" price. And if that upgrade offer hits your "buy" threshold, don't hesitate—those seats usually fill up fast with Medallion members hunting for the same deal.